Sir Michael was speaking at the British Film Institute in a Q&A alongside filmmaker David Batty following a screening of the pair’s new documentary My Generation which explores the cultural revolution in 60s Britain.

He labelled Alfie the film he was proudest of over his lengthy career and also revealed he would have been an architect if he had not made it as an actor.

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“I love buildings,” he said. “I’m a nutcase.

“I think maybe because I grew up in The Blitz and watched the whole city being bombed to dust. For six years it was bombed in my city and it all went down around me and so that’s probably why.”

The Q&A was screened at hundreds of cinemas across the UK as Sir Michael celebrated his latest landmark and was serenaded with Happy Birthday by audience members.